If you were a mom, would you take your children to the homeless shelters to take a few gifts to the needy?

Question

Would that be okay or do you think is too much for them? Or maybe a hospital with many really sick children and maybe take them coloring books and crayons? I want to do something like this and involve my two kids. Ages 6 and 4.

Answer 1

Definitely. It will give them an early appreciation for what they have so that that they know that they are fortunate to have a roof over there heads and a warm bed to sleep in.

Answer 2

No, that's not too much for them. My parents did that starting when I was about 7. It wasn't too much--it was a great understanding of even GETTING gifts is wonderful.

It was a long drive for us though, about 90 minutes each way. Towards the end of junior high we stopped going. In high school my sister and I volunteered at that same shelter 2-3 nights a week.

And it all started with Christmas.

Giving gifts to sick children isn't really going to be as wonderful as you may think. My godfather works in the pediatric department, and he says that although it's a nice gesture, having a stranger give a sick child a gift makes the family feel like they are poor. All some one sick wants to feel is normal, and having strangers try to make Christmas better seems to alienate themselves.

Another option is to give a few Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners to poorer families around the area.

Answer 3

I would take them to the homeless shelter before I would take them to a hospital. Even if you take them to a ward with kids who have cancer or other non-communicable diseases, it's still a hospital with germs.

I'd also be a little concerned if your kids might become scared that they would get sick like that. At the shelter they'll see people of all ages - might not be as overwhelming.

I think it's a great idea. I used to teach and I took my kids to the nursing homes a time or two, and to a home for developmentally disabled adults. It was a real eye-opener for them!

Answer 4

I think what you want to do is really awesome and would brighten up someones day, but exposing your kids to it, especally the four year old might not be such a great idea, i know that kids need to know that there are people out there less fortunate and installing the will to help others into them is a great idea, but maybe not at such a young age, epspecially a homeless shealter, you never no what kind of people are there. I volunteer delivering meals to the elderly and I have taken my daughter with me...so I guess im controdicting myself, but we only go as far as the front door so I no my girl is in no danger, but what if you had your backed turned for a second and something happpened, there are alot of people in shealters and I know its a horrible thing to think about, but you never know what kind of diesese they may have or what kind of frame of mind they are in. I suggest you find something along the same lines but less risky for your kids at this age:)

Answer 5

i will answer this from adventure. some issues constantly mandatory: Diapers toddler Wipes Bottles Nipples Wash Cloths Towels cleansing soap Shampoo/Conditioner female Hygiene products Deodorant cleansing aspects Onsies Blankets some products constantly favorite: Magazines Books Board video games on the spot Tea and low Stationery Stamps makeup Hair products Toys Puzzles i think of present baskets are an astounding thought :) regrettably, shelters oftentimes won't distribute individual present enjoying cards and the citizens do no longer constantly see some super reward of those. i'd discourage a celebration only through fact it is sort of embarrassing whether it somewhat is a homeless safeguard. whilst each thing is favorite and the citizens desire to be there to thank you...those sort of events are many times awkward. they does no longer be allowed at a kin violence safeguard. At a nursing residing house, nonetheless, i'm constructive they'd be welcomed. i'd propose doing information superhighway searches for shelters and/or calling the community library, newspaper, or branch of well being and human amenities. they oftentimes be attentive to who desires what and how badly. additionally, considering you suggested low-income, you are able to seek on your community public housing apartments. in case you call the place of work along with your suggestions, they'd be waiting to tell you of a kinfolk or 2 in want of help, or supply you a itemizing of what proportion and how previous the youngsters are in that distinctive complicated. stable success!

Answer 6

I think its a wonderfule idea!!!! I am going to be taking my daughter to a shelter to serve dinner to the homeless. It is good for kids to learn about "giving" in this day and age and realizing many people in our own country have no homes or food and we should help them.

Answer 7

I have a son who is 6. And we do this every year since he was a baby. I think it's great for them to see the real life, the rich and the poor. I don't think it's a good thing to hide this from them.

Answer 8

I think it's a good idea, my mom worked at hospice when I was six I went to take your daughter to work day with her and saw poor people and people suffering from aids. It made me appreciate my life more I think and it had no harmful consequences in the long run.

Answer 9

I think that is a fantastic way to teach them about need and how fortunate they are to have their needs met. I would call ahead first though and make sure the organization you are visiting is ok with your kids being there.

Answer 10

one good thing my friend told me her dad used to do with her family was volunteer on thanksgiving to take meals to the homeless with a group like meals on wheels.